GHRP-2 (10mg)

What is the GHRP-2 Peptide?

GHRP-2 (also known as pralmorelin) is a synthetic growth hormone secretagogue that interacts with the ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue receptor. It was the first growth hormone secretagogue to be introduced commercially, amongst several others. It is a test peptide to evaluate growth hormone deficiency as well as secondary adrenal failure. GHRP-2 has also been evaluated in stage II clinical trials for the assessment of short stature. Extensive research has also been performed to evaluate its role in the regulation of muscle development, appetite, the immune system, and sleep cycles.^[1] GHRP-2 remains orally and sublingually active and hence does not require an intravenous introduction for its physiological efficacy.

Specifications

AKA: Pralmorelin

Molecular Formula: C45H55N9O6

Molecular Weight: 817.9 g/mol

Sequence: H-D-Ala-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2

PubChem: CID 6918245

CAS Number: 158861-67-7

Reconstitution: Required

GHRP-2 in Medical Research Studies

GHRP-2 Peptide and heart protection
Studies in fetal heart cell culture lines have suggested that GHRP-2 and its analogs (GHRP-1 and GHRP-6) may help to protect cardiac cells by minimizing apoptosis or programmed cell death.^[2] The peptides are under study for their potential to protect cardiac muscles from reduced supply of blood and nutrients, which ensues a cardiac arrest. The research conducted in Hexarelin, a GHRP-2 analog, has further hypothesized that these peptides associate with a specific receptor. Identification of new tissue-specific receptors may lead to the discovery of novel pathways for new treatments, as well as improvement of our knowledge of the human physiology and mechanisms to avoid dysfunction.

GHRP-2 and muscle structure protection
Research in yaks suggests that GHRP-2 may stimulate the growth of muscles in two ways: enhanced protein synthesis and accumulation, as well as reduced protein degradation.^[3] The study posited that GHRP-2 may help to overcome natural growth limitation that occurs in yaks because of food deprivation, adverse environmental conditions (such as cold), and disease. The researchers also reported that “GHRP-2 enhanced muscle protein deposition mainly by up-regulating the protein synthesis pathways.” The most significant observation has been the potential of Pralmorelin in reducing muscle atrophy through repression of atrogin-1 and MuRF1- proteins, which regulate muscle degradation pathways. Experimental research has suggested GHRP-2 may be employed for conditions associated with decreased catabolism, commonly observed in chronic illnesses such as autoimmune diseases and cancer, among others. The peptide appears to help stimulate muscle protein deposition through the activation of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). The combinatorial effect of enhanced synthesis and decreased protein degradation appears to increase lean body mass even under unfavorable physiological conditions.

GHRP-2 and appetite stimulation
GHRP-2 (Pralmorelin) has been studied in relation to appetite and the intake of food.^[4] The researchers revealed that “GHRP-2, like ghrelin, increases food intake, suggesting that GHRP-2 is a valuable tool for investigating ghrelin effects on eating behavior in humans.” These studies hold relevance in the backdrop of chronic diseases where appetite stimulation is an important part of overall health care. The supposed ability of the peptide to easily and reliably stimulate the appetite could be beneficial for chronically ill patients and help to improve long-term outcomes.

GHRP-2 and immunity
GHRP-2 has been theorized to enhance the functions of the thymus, an organ that helps protect and mature certain cells of the immune system, especially the T lymphocytes.^[5] T lymphocytes are crucial for adaptive immunity and our physiological capacity to combat complex infections. However, the efficacy of the thymus diminishes with age, which causes many age-related problems ranging from insufficient tissue repair to poor immunity. This often leads to an inability to ward off infections, guard against cancer, and perform normal tissue functions. In such cases, research in GHRP-2 therapy has suggested the peptide may have the capacity to rejuvenate the thymus, thereby promoting the number and diversity of T-cells, and boosting the body’s general immunity.

GHRP-2 may affect pain perception
Researchers initially thought that GHRP-2 may decrease pain associated with osteoarthritis in animal models, through the stimulation of growth hormone production and the repair of damaged tissues. However, it has been observed over additional study that GHRP-2 may cause pain relief before tissue repair and this potential capability may be due to its action on opioid receptors.^[6] There are four known opioid receptors. Most opioid pain medications mediate a universal action on all four receptors. The medicines’ generic mode of action can create challenges as the receptors have differential and diverse functions. Some of the receptors influence pain; some affect sensations such as wakefulness and breathing, while still others impact addiction. GHRP-2, on the other hand, appears to act a selective opioid receptor agonist, binding uniquely to the receptors responsible for pain relief, addiction, and sedation. This observation indicates that selective opioid agonists may help to avoid unwanted effects like respiratory distress and addiction.

GHRP-2 and sleep quality
GHRP-2 has been suggested to influence the sleep cycle in several ways. Studies report that the peptide appears to increase the duration of stages 3 and 4 of the sleep cycles by about 50% as well as improve the duration of REM sleep by approximately 20%.^[7] It further appears to diminish deviation in sleeping patterns from “normal sleep” significantly. Overall, improvement in sleep leads to betterment in cognitive function, blood pressure, healing, and energy levels. These findings are relevant for adults but specifically for the elderly population, where sleep quality gets affected due to age. GHRP-2 can therefore have potential use in the improvement of sleep quality and may help attain all the benefits of a complete night’s sleep in a shorter duration. Studies have noted that in so far as experimental usage, the peptide exhibits minimal to moderate side effects, low oral bioavailability, and excellent subcutaneous bioavailability in murine models. Per kg dosage in mice does not scale up to the requirement for human use.

References